The formality of a preface to this little book mightiness have been really well omitted, if it were not to gratify the curiosity of several inquisitive people, who, I foresee, wish be apt to do objections against the reality of the narrative.

Indeed the public has too often been obligatory upon by fictitious stories, and several of a really late date, so that I think myself duty bound by the usual respect which is paid to candid and impartial readers, to acquaint them, by way of introduction, with what they are to expect, and what they may depend upon, and yet with this caution too, that it is an indication of ill nature or ill manners, if not both, to pry into a private secret that is industriously concealed.

However, that there may be nothing wanting on my part, I do here